This article analyses the possibility of the application of advanced fasteners in the construction of steel–concrete composite beams. The fasteners were made of corrugated metal sheet with a thickness of 1.00 mm, were in a dovetail shape, and had 2 or 4 shot nails in a single sheet fold. The nails were shot through the sheet into the flange of the steel I section. The 7.5 m-long beam was subjected to an experimental bending test. Based on the test results, the load-bearing capacity and failure mode of the beam were identified, enabling an evaluation of the feasibility of employing beams with innovative connectors in the construction of lightweight ceilings. A numerical model of the beam was constructed in ADINA using findings from experimental studies. A concrete material model, which considers both post-cracking and crushing behaviour and which enabled the identification of critical failure zones, was implemented. The beam connectors demonstrated sufficient load-bearing capacity, whereas the concrete slab was identified as the weakest component within the composite beam assembly. The proposed solution can be suitable for use as a fastener in steel–concrete composite ceiling structures in small utility public buildings. In accordance with Eurocode 4 requirements, the floor beam can carry a load of up to 5.7 kN/m2.
Derlatka et al. (2026) studied this question.